Remote control terminal and information processing apparatus

ABSTRACT

Provided is a remote control terminal, including: a first terminal-side wireless-communication unit configured to interactively communicate with a control-target information processing apparatus by using a first wireless communication system, to control the information processing apparatus; a second terminal-side wireless-communication unit configured to interactively communicate with the information processing apparatus by using a second wireless communication system, the second wireless communication system being higher in speed than the first wireless communication system; a camera unit configured to obtain video data; and a first controller configured to control the second terminal-side wireless-communication unit to transmit the video data obtained by the camera unit to the information processing apparatus by using the second wireless communication system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/493,427, filed Jun. 11, 2012, which claims priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. JP 2011-140711 filed in the JapanesePatent Office on Jun. 24, 2011, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a wireless remote control terminalcapable of remote-controlling an information processing apparatus suchas a television receiver through interactive wireless communication, andto an information processing apparatus remote-controlled by the remotecontrol terminal.

In the field of remote control terminals for remote-controlling aninformation processing apparatus such as a television receiver, infraredremote controls using infrared communications are the mainstream.However, an infrared ray from the infrared remote control has highdirectivity. Because of this, it is necessary for a user to direct aninfrared light emitting section of the remote control toward acontrol-target apparatus. To the contrary, a radio wave has relativelylow directivity. In view of this, recently, RF (Radio frequency) remotecontrols using high-frequency radio waves have been developed and arebecoming the mainstream. Further, some organizations attempt tostandardize the standard of RF remote controls.

For example, ZigBee (registered trademark) is the standard of thespecification of the network layer, the security layer, and theapplication layer. ZigBee (registered trademark) is in conformity withthe near field communication standard IEEE (registered trademark)(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.15.4, and is ahigher-level system of IEEE (registered trademark) 802.15.4. Further,based on IEEE (registered trademark) 802.15.4., an industry organizationhas standardized, as a RF remote control standard, ZigBee (registeredtrademark) RF4CE (Radio frequency for Consumer Electronics).

For example, each of Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.2011-034294 (hereinafter, referred to as Patent Document 1) and JapanesePatent Application Laid-open No. 2010-272984 (hereinafter, referred toas Patent Document 2) discloses a technology of a control terminalcontrolling an information processing apparatus such as a televisionreceiver by using RF radio signals such as RF4CE.

SUMMARY

Meanwhile, recently, information processing apparatuses such astelevision receivers have extremely large number of functions. Forexample, some television receivers are capable of connecting to theInternet and accessing various services in the Internet. RF remotecontrols include keyboards. Such a keyboard is operated by a user, anddata such as character strings is input in the RF remote control. The RFremote control is capable of transmitting such data to thecontrol-target apparatus successfully. As described above, according tothe RF remote controls, the possibility that information processingapparatuses such as television receivers access various services in theInternet is increased.

On the other hand, there are many kinds of services in the Internet. Forexample, in some services, an arbitrary given image is recognized, and,based on the recognized data, information in relation with the image issearched for. Further, information processing apparatuses such astelevision receivers have extremely large number of functions inthemselves. In such circumstances, some weak points of RF remotecontrols are being revealed.

In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, it is desirable to providea remote control terminal, which may support various services in theInternet and multiple functions of a control-target apparatus. It isalso desirable to provide an information processing apparatus capable ofbeing used in combination with the remote control terminal.

According to a first aspect of the present technology, there is provideda remote control terminal, including: a first terminal-sidewireless-communication unit configured to interactively communicate witha control-target information processing apparatus by using a firstwireless communication system, to control the information processingapparatus; a second terminal-side wireless-communication unit configuredto interactively communicate with the information processing apparatusby using a second wireless communication system, the second wirelesscommunication system being higher in speed than the first wirelesscommunication system; a camera unit configured to obtain video data; anda first controller configured to control the second terminal-sidewireless-communication unit to transmit the video data obtained by thecamera unit to the information processing apparatus by using the secondwireless communication system.

The remote control terminal may successfully transmit video dataobtained by the camera unit to the information processing apparatusbeing a control-target apparatus by using the second wirelesscommunication system. The second wireless communication system is higherin speed than the first wireless communication system, which is suitablefor a control-dedicated wireless communication. As a result, forexample, real-time transmission of video data from the remote controlterminal to the information processing apparatus may be realized.

In the remote control terminal according to this technology may furtherinclude: an input unit configured to receive, from a user, an input ofan instruction to execute processing of the video data obtained by thecamera unit. The first controller is configured to control the firstterminal-side wireless-communication unit to send, in response to theinput from the user, a request to the information processing apparatusto use the second wireless communication system, via the first wirelesscommunication system, and to receive a first startup instruction repliedfrom the information processing apparatus via the first wirelesscommunication system, and to start the second terminal-sidewireless-communication unit.

That is, it is necessary for the remote control terminal to obtain thefirst startup instruction from the information processing apparatus inorder to start the second terminal-side wireless-communication unit.Because of this, in a case where, when a power is not supplied to theinformation processing apparatus, or when wireless communications withthe information processing apparatus is not established, the input unitis erroneously operated by a user, the second terminal-sidewireless-communication unit is not started. Therefore, unnecessary powerconsumption may be reduced.

The first controller may be configured to control the secondterminal-side wireless-communication unit to receive a second startupinstruction via the second wireless communication system, the secondstartup instruction being generated by the information processingapparatus after generating the first startup instruction, and to startthe camera unit. Because of this, in order to start the camera unit, itis necessary for the remote control terminal to obtain the secondstartup instruction from the information processing apparatus. Becauseof this, in a case where, when a power is not supplied to theinformation processing apparatus, or when wireless communications withthe information processing apparatus is not established, the input unitis erroneously operated by a user, the second terminal-sidewireless-communication unit and, in addition, the camera unit are notstarted. Therefore, unnecessary power consumption may further bereduced.

In the remote control terminal according to this technology, the firstcontroller may be configured to set a sleep status of the firstterminal-side wireless-communication unit, in a case where the firstcontroller starts the second terminal-side wireless-communication unit.Because of this, unnecessary power consumption in the firstterminal-side wireless-communication unit may also be reduced.

The first controller may be configured to control the secondterminal-side wireless-communication unit to receive a stop instructionvia the second wireless communication system, the stop instruction beinggenerated by the information processing apparatus, to stop the secondterminal-side wireless-communication unit and the camera unit, and toreturn the first terminal-side wireless-communication unit in the sleepstatus to a startup status. In a case where a user forgets to stop thesecond terminal-side wireless-communication unit and the camera unitafter the second terminal-side wireless-communication unit completestransmission of video data, the information processing apparatus iscapable of automatically stopping the second terminal-sidewireless-communication unit and the camera unit. As a result,unnecessary power consumption may also be reduced.

The remote control terminal according to this technology may furtherinclude: a motion detection unit configured to detect a motion of theremote control terminal. The first controller is configured to determinean unoperated status of the remote control terminal based on a detectionresult by the motion detection unit, and to control the secondterminal-side wireless-communication unit to send, in a case where theunoperated status is determined, a notification to the informationprocessing apparatus such that the information processing apparatussends the stop instruction, via the second wireless communicationsystem. As a result, in the status where the remote control terminal isconnected with the information processing apparatus via the secondwireless communication system and where the remote control terminal isunoperated, the power consumption may be minimized.

According to a second aspect of the present technology, there isprovided a remote control terminal, including: a first terminal-sidewireless-communication unit configured to interactively communicate witha control-target information processing apparatus by using a firstwireless communication system, to control the information processingapparatus; a second terminal-side wireless-communication unit configuredto interactively communicate with the information processing apparatusby using a second wireless communication system, the second wirelesscommunication system being higher in speed than the first wirelesscommunication system; a microphone unit configured to obtain audio data;and a first controller configured to control the second terminal-sidewireless-communication unit to transmit the audio data obtained by themicrophone unit to the information processing apparatus by using thesecond wireless communication system.

The remote control terminal may successfully transmit audio dataobtained by the microphone unit to the information processing apparatusbeing a control-target apparatus by using the second wirelesscommunication system. The second wireless communication system is higherin speed than the first wireless communication system, which is suitablefor a control-dedicated wireless communication. As a result, forexample, real-time transmission of audio data from the remote controlterminal to the information processing apparatus may be realized.

The remote control terminal may further include: an input unitconfigured to receive, from a user, an instruction to transmit the audiodata obtained by the microphone unit to the information processingapparatus by using the second wireless communication system. The firstcontroller is configured to control the first terminal-sidewireless-communication unit to send, in response to the instruction fromthe user, a request to the information processing apparatus via thefirst wireless communication system, and to receive a third startupinstruction replied from the information processing apparatus via thefirst wireless communication system, and to start the secondterminal-side wireless-communication unit.

It is necessary for the remote control terminal to obtain the thirdstartup instruction from the information processing apparatus in orderto start the second terminal-side wireless-communication unit. Becauseof this, in a case where, when a power is not supplied to theinformation processing apparatus, or when wireless communications withthe information processing apparatus is not established, the input unitis erroneously operated by a user, the second terminal-sidewireless-communication unit is not started. Therefore, unnecessary powerconsumption may be reduced.

The first controller may be configured to control the secondterminal-side wireless-communication unit to receive a fourth startupinstruction via the second wireless communication system, the fourthstartup instruction being generated by the information processingapparatus after generating the third startup instruction, and to startthe microphone unit. Because of this, in order to start the microphoneunit, it is necessary for the remote control terminal to obtain thefourth startup instruction from the information processing apparatus.Because of this, in a case where, when a power is not supplied to theinformation processing apparatus, or when wireless communications withthe information processing apparatus is not established, the input unitis erroneously operated by a user, the second terminal-sidewireless-communication unit and, in addition, the microphone unit arenot started. Therefore, unnecessary power consumption may further bereduced.

The first controller may be configured to set a sleep status of thefirst terminal-side wireless-communication unit, in a case where thefirst controller starts the second terminal-side wireless-communicationunit. Because of this, unnecessary power consumption in the firstterminal-side wireless-communication unit may also be reduced.

The first controller may be configured to control the secondterminal-side wireless-communication unit to receive a stop instructionvia the second wireless communication system, the stop instruction beinggenerated by the information processing apparatus, to stop the secondterminal-side wireless-communication unit and the microphone unit, andto return the first terminal-side wireless-communication unit in thesleep status to a startup status. In a case where a user forgets to stopthe second terminal-side wireless-communication unit and the microphoneunit after the second terminal-side wireless-communication unitcompletes transmission of audio data, the information processingapparatus is capable of automatically stopping the second terminal-sidewireless-communication unit and the microphone unit. As a result,unnecessary power consumption may also be reduced.

The remote control terminal according to this technology may furtherinclude: a motion detection unit configured to detect a motion of theremote control terminal. The first controller is configured to determinean unoperated status of the remote control terminal based on a detectionresult by the motion detection unit, and to control the secondterminal-side wireless-communication unit to send, in a case where theunoperated status is determined, a notification to the informationprocessing apparatus such that the information processing apparatussends the stop instruction, via the second wireless communicationsystem. As a result, in the status where the remote control terminal isconnected with the information processing apparatus via the secondwireless communication system and where the remote control terminal isunoperated, the power consumption may be minimized.

According to a third aspect of the present technology, there is providedan information processing apparatus, including: a first apparatus-sidewireless-communication unit configured to interactively communicate witha remote control terminal by using a first wireless communicationsystem, to be controlled by the remote control terminal; a secondapparatus-side wireless-communication unit configured to interactivelycommunicate with the remote control terminal by using a second wirelesscommunication system, the second wireless communication system beinghigher in speed than the first wireless communication system; and asecond controller configured to control the first apparatus-sidewireless communication unit to receive a request to use the secondwireless communication system sent from the remote control terminal, theremote control terminal sending the request when the remote controlterminal receives, as a trigger, from a user, an input of an instructionto execute processing of video data obtained by a camera unit providedin the remote control terminal, and to send a first startup instructionto the remote control terminal to start the second terminal-sidewireless-communication unit, via the first wireless communicationsystem.

The information processing apparatus may receive video data obtained bythe camera unit from the remote control terminal by using the secondwireless communication system. The second wireless communication systemis higher in speed than the first wireless communication system, whichis suitable for a control-dedicated wireless communication. As a result,for example, real-time transmission of video data from the remotecontrol terminal to the information processing apparatus may berealized. Further, it is necessary for the remote control terminal toobtain the first startup instruction from the information processingapparatus in order to start the second terminal-sidewireless-communication unit of the remote control terminal. Because ofthis, in a case where, when a power is not supplied to the informationprocessing apparatus, or when wireless communications with theinformation processing apparatus is not established, the input unit iserroneously operated by a user, the second terminal-sidewireless-communication unit is not started. Therefore, unnecessary powerconsumption may be reduced.

The second controller may be configured to control the secondapparatus-side wireless communication unit to send, after sending thefirst startup instruction, a second startup instruction to the remotecontrol terminal to start the camera unit of the remote controlterminal, via the second wireless communication system. Because of this,in order to start the camera unit, it is necessary for the remotecontrol terminal to obtain the second startup instruction from theinformation processing apparatus. Because of this, in a case where, whena power is not supplied to the information processing apparatus, or whenwireless communications with the information processing apparatus is notestablished, the input unit is erroneously operated by a user, thesecond terminal-side wireless-communication unit and, in addition, thecamera unit are not started. Therefore, unnecessary power consumptionmay further be reduced.

The second controller may be configured to control the secondapparatus-side wireless-communication unit to send, via the secondwireless communication system, a stop instruction to the remote controlterminal to stop, in a case where, when the information processingapparatus is connected with the remote control terminal via the secondwireless communication system, a status, where the informationprocessing apparatus fails to receive the video data from the remotecontrol terminal, continues for a predetermined continuous time period,the second terminal-side wireless-communication unit and the camera unitof the remote control terminal, and to return the first terminal-sidewireless-communication unit in the sleep status to a startup status. Ina case where a user forgets to stop the second terminal-sidewireless-communication unit and the camera unit of the remote controlterminal after the second terminal-side wireless-communication unitcompletes transmission of video data, the information processingapparatus is capable of automatically stopping the second terminal-sidewireless-communication unit and the camera unit. As a result,unnecessary power consumption may also be reduced.

The second controller may be configured to control the firstapparatus-side wireless-communication unit to receive a request to usethe second wireless communication system sent from the remote controlterminal, the remote control terminal sending the request when theremote control terminal receives, as a trigger, from a user, an input ofan instruction to execute processing of audio data obtained by amicrophone unit provided in the remote control terminal, and to send athird startup instruction to the remote control terminal to start thesecond terminal-side wireless-communication unit, via the first wirelesscommunication system. It is necessary for the remote control terminal toobtain the third startup instruction from the information processingapparatus in order to start the second terminal-sidewireless-communication unit of the remote control terminal. Because ofthis, in a case where, when a power is not supplied to the informationprocessing apparatus, or when wireless communications with theinformation processing apparatus is not established, the input unit iserroneously operated by a user, the second terminal-sidewireless-communication unit is not started. Therefore, unnecessary powerconsumption may be reduced.

The second controller may be configured to control the secondapparatus-side wireless communication unit to send, after sending thethird startup instruction, a fourth startup instruction to the remotecontrol terminal to start the microphone unit of the remote controlterminal, via the second wireless communication system. Because of this,in order to start the microphone unit, it is necessary for the remotecontrol terminal to obtain the fourth startup instruction from theinformation processing apparatus. Because of this, in a case where, whena power is not supplied to the information processing apparatus, or whenwireless communications with the information processing apparatus is notestablished, the input unit is erroneously operated by a user, thesecond terminal-side wireless-communication unit and, in addition, themicrophone unit are not started. Therefore, unnecessary powerconsumption may further be reduced.

The second controller may be configured to control the secondapparatus-side wireless-communication unit to send, via the secondwireless communication system, a stop instruction to the remote controlterminal to stop, in a case where, when the information processingapparatus is connected with the remote control terminal via the secondwireless communication system, a status, where the informationprocessing apparatus fails to receive the audio data from the remotecontrol terminal, continues for a predetermined continuous time period,the second terminal-side wireless-communication unit and the microphoneunit of the remote control terminal, and to return the firstterminal-side wireless-communication unit in the sleep status to astartup status. In a case where a user forgets to stop the secondterminal-side wireless-communication unit and the microphone unit of theremote control terminal after the second terminal-sidewireless-communication unit completes transmission of audio data, theinformation processing apparatus is capable of automatically stoppingthe second terminal-side wireless-communication unit and the microphoneunit. As a result, unnecessary power consumption may also be reduced.

As described above, according to the present technology, a remotecontrol terminal, which may support various services in the Internet andmultiple functions of a control-target apparatus, may be provided.Further, an information processing apparatus capable of being used incombination with the remote control terminal may be provided.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detaileddescription of best mode embodiments thereof, as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a remote controlsystem according to a first embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an informationprocessing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a remote control terminal of FIG. 1, seenfrom the front side;

FIG. 4 is a side view showing the remote control terminal of FIG. 3,seen from the back side;

FIG. 5 is a side view showing the remote control terminal of FIG. 3,seen from the bottom side;

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the remote control terminal of FIG. 3,seen from the left side;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the remotecontrol terminal of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the remote controlsystem in a case where a video-dedicated application startup button ofthe remote control terminal is operated;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the remote controlsystem in a case where an audio-dedicated application startup button ofthe remote control terminal is operated; and

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a processing flow in a case where thevideo-dedicated application startup button 326 is operated under thecondition in which prohibition of data transmission under an unoperatedstatus is set.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be describedwith reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a remote controlsystem according to a first embodiment of the present technology. Asshown in FIG. 1, a remote control system 100 of this embodiment includesa control-target information processing apparatus 200, and a remotecontrol terminal 300 for remote-controlling the information processingapparatus 200.

The remote control terminal 300 includes a camera unit (356 in FIG. 7).Operated by a user, the camera unit is capable of taking an image of anarbitrary subject. The remote control terminal 300 is capable ofwirelessly transmitting video data obtained by using the camera unit tothe information processing apparatus 200. Further, the remote controlterminal 300 includes a microphone unit (361 in FIG. 7). Operated by auser, the remote control terminal 300 is capable of wirelesslytransmitting audio data obtained by using the microphone unit to theinformation processing apparatus 200, similar to the case of the videodata.

Application programs for performing processing on video data(hereinafter referred to as “video-dedicated application”.) areinstalled in the information processing apparatus 200. Examples of thevideo-dedicated application include an application for displaying videodata took by the camera unit of the remote control terminal 300 on adisplay, an application for accessing a service for recognizing an imagein the video and searching for information about a recognized object,and the like.

Further, application programs for performing processing on audio data(hereinafter referred to as “audio-dedicated application”.) areinstalled in the information processing apparatus 200. Examples of theaudio-dedicated application include an application for outputting audiodata collected by the microphone unit of the remote control terminal 300from a speaker as sounds, an application for recognizing audio data andcontrolling the information processing apparatus 200, and the like.

Recently, in the field of wireless remote control, an RF (Radiofrequency) remote control using high-frequency radio waves is becomingthe mainstream. Specifically, RF4CE (Radio frequency for ConsumerElectronics) and the like are used. RF4CE is the international standardof RF remote controls for consumer electronics. However, the theoreticalvalue of RF4CE communication speed is 250 Kbps. Such a speed is enoughfor transmitting control signals and the like, but not enough fortransmitting video data and audio data in real time.

According to this embodiment, the remote control system 100 includes afirst wireless communication system and a second wireless communicationsystem. The first wireless communication system is in conformity with awireless communication standard using RF signals such as the RF4CEstandard, for example. The second wireless communication system is highin speed than the first wireless communication system. The remotecontrol system 100 appropriately switches between the first wirelesscommunication system and the second wireless communication system, anduse one of the first wireless communication system and the secondwireless communication system. The second wireless communication systemis required to be a wireless communication system high in speed than thefirst wireless communication system. As the second wirelesscommunication system, for example, a wireless LAN in conformity with theIEEE 802.11b standard may be used. The nominal speed of the IEEE 802.11bstandard is 11 Mbps, which is enough higher than the speed of RF4CE.

Note that, higher the speed, larger the power consumption. Because ofthis, it is not appropriate for a remote control terminal including abattery as a power source to employ a mode in which the wireless LAN isalways operated and all the signals are transmitted via the wirelessLAN. In view of this, according to this embodiment, the remote controlsystem 100 appropriately switches between the first wirelesscommunication system and the second wireless communication system to beoperated, in order to reduce the total power consumption. Hereinafter,the remote control system 100 of this embodiment will be described indetail.

[Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus 200]

First, the configuration of the information processing apparatus 200will be described.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of theinformation processing apparatus 200.

In this embodiment, a case where a television receiver is used as theinformation processing apparatus 200 will be described.

The information processing apparatus 200 includes a CPU (CentralProcessing Unit) 201 (second controller), a bus 202, a memory 203, astorage 204, an IR receiving unit 205, a network I/F 206, a first TVwireless communication unit 207 (first apparatus-side wirelesscommunication unit), and a second TV wireless communication unit 208(second apparatus-side wireless communication unit). The informationprocessing apparatus 200 further includes an antenna 209, a tuner 210, adescrambler 211, a demultiplexer 212, an audio decoder 213, a videodecoder 214, an audio processing circuit 215, a speaker 216, a GUI(Graphical User Interface) superimposing unit 217, a video processingcircuit 218, and a display 219.

In the information processing apparatus 200, the CPU 201 executesvarious kinds of processing according to programs stored in the memory203 and the storage 204 connected via the bus 202. Further, the CPU 201receives, as commands, infrared signals input from the remote controlterminal 300 via the IR receiving unit 205. The CPU 201 controlsoperations of the respective units based on the commands.

The first TV wireless communication unit 207 interactively communicateswith the remote control terminal 300 by using the first wirelesscommunication system in conformity with a wireless communicationstandard using RF signals such as the RF4CE standard, for example.

The second TV wireless communication unit 208 interactively communicateswith the remote control terminal 300 by using the second wirelesscommunication system higher in speed than the first wirelesscommunication system. As the second wireless communication system, forexample, a wireless LAN in conformity with the IEEE 802.11b standard orthe like may be used.

The antenna 209 receives digital broadcast signals and the like, andinputs the signals in the tuner 210.

The tuner 210 extracts a broadcast signal of a predetermined channel(for example, channel designated by the remote control terminal 300through a user operation) from digital broadcast signals. The tuner 210performs demodulation processing on the extracted broadcast signal tothereby obtain a transport stream of the predetermined channel, andoutputs the transport stream to the descrambler 211.

The descrambler 211 descrambles the transport stream input from thetuner 210 by using a descrambler key. The descrambler key is prerecordedin a predetermined integrated circuit card (not shown) mounted in theinformation processing apparatus 200. The descrambler 211 outputs thedescrambled transport stream to the demultiplexer 212.

The demultiplexer 212 demultiplexes audio data and video data from thedescrambled transport stream input from the descrambler 211. Thedemultiplexer 212 outputs the demultiplexed audio data to the audiodecoder 213, and outputs the demultiplexed video data to the videodecoder 214.

The audio decoder 213 decodes the audio data input from thedemultiplexer 212, and outputs the obtained audio data to the audioprocessing circuit 215.

The audio processing circuit 215 performs D/A (Digital/Analog)converting processing, amplification processing, and the like on theaudio data input from the audio decoder 213. The audio processingcircuit 215 outputs the obtained audio signal to the speaker 216.

The video decoder 214 decodes the video data input from thedemultiplexer 212, and outputs the obtained video data to the GUIsuperimposing unit 217.

The GUI superimposing unit 217 superimposes graphic data such as OSD (OnScreen Display) on the video data input from the video decoder 214, andoutputs the video data to the video processing circuit 218.

The video processing circuit 218 performs predetermined imageprocessing, D/A (Digital/Analog) converting processing, and the like onthe video data input from the GUI superimposing unit 217, and output theobtained video signal to the display 219.

Further, similar to the above, operated by the remote control terminal300, the CPU 201 receives digital broadcast signals, obtains a transportstream of a predetermined channel, and stores the transport stream inthe storage 204 as video/audio data of a broadcast program.

As described above, the information processing apparatus 200 is capableof receiving digital broadcast signals, outputting the broadcast programfrom the display 219 and the speaker 216 such that a user may watch andlisten to the broadcast program, recording the broadcast program in thestorage 204, and the like.

Video-dedicated application programs for performing processing on videodata are stored in the memory 203 or the storage 204. Examples of thevideo-dedicated application include an application for displaying videodata transmitted from the remote control terminal 300 on a display, anapplication for accessing a service for recognizing an image andsearching for information about a recognized object, and the like.Further, audio-dedicated application programs for performing processingon audio data are stored in the memory 203 or the storage 204. Anexample of the audio-dedicated application is an application forrecognizing audio data transmitted from the remote control terminal 300,extracting a command to control the information processing apparatus 200from the recognized data, and controlling the information processingapparatus 200. Another example of the audio-dedicated application is anapplication for recognizing audio data transmitted from the remotecontrol terminal 300, extracting a command to control the informationprocessing apparatus 200 from the recognized data, and accessing asearch service by using the recognized character string.

[Configuration of Remote Control Terminal 300]

Next, the configuration of the remote control terminal 300 will bedescribed.

FIG. 3 to FIG. 6 are external views of the remote control terminal 300.

As shown in FIG. 3, a keyboard 310, remote control keys 320 (inputunit), a pointing device 330, and the like are provided at least on thefront surface of the remote control terminal 300. The keyboard 310includes a plurality of keys for inputting letters and the like. Theremote control keys 320 include a main power source button 321 for thetelevision receiver, a main power source button 322 for a set-top box,operation buttons 323 for BD (blu-ray)/DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), anaudio volume correction button 324, a channel switch button 325, avideo-dedicated application startup button 326, an audio-dedicatedapplication startup button 327, and the like. In the remote control keys320, a microphone hole 328 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, a housing 340 of the remote controlterminal 300 has left and right swell portions. Because of this shape, auser may hold the left and right swell portions with his left and righthands without difficulty. Such left and right swell portions serve as apair of left and right grip portions 341L, 341R. An IR transmissivewindow 342 of an IR transmitting unit (355 in FIG. 7) is provided from atop surface to a back surface of the housing 340. The IR transmissivewindow 342 is covered by an IR transmissive cover. Further, a lens hole343 of the camera unit (356 in FIG. 7) is provided on the midpoint ofthe pair of left and right grip portions 341L, 341R on the back surfaceof the housing 340. The lens hole 343 is provided on, specifically, thecover of the IR transmissive window 342. Further, a sliding cover 345for attaching/detaching a battery (354 in FIG. 7) is provided on themidpoint of the pair of left and right grip portions 341L, 341R on theback surface of the housing 340. The battery is attached on a position,which emergences when the sliding cover 345 is open.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the remotecontrol terminal 300.

The remote control terminal 300 includes a CPU 351 (first controller), afirst remote-control wireless-communication unit 352 (firstterminal-side wireless-communication unit), a second remote-controlwireless-communication unit 353 (second terminal-sidewireless-communication unit), a sub controller 354 (first controller),an IR oscillator 355, a camera unit 356, an encoder 357, a non-volatilestorage 358, the remote control keys 320 (input unit), and the keyboard310. The remote control terminal 300 further includes the pointingdevice 330, a microphone unit 361, a triaxial acceleration censor 362(motion detection unit), a general interface 363, a battery 364, a firstpower source circuit 365, a second power source circuit 366, and thelike.

The CPU 351 entirely controls the respective blocks included in theremote control terminal 300, performs various kinds of arithmeticprocessing, and controls data transfer between the respective blocks.

The triaxial acceleration censor 362 detects accelerations in thetriaxial directions (directions in XYZ axes) and supplies theaccelerations to the CPU 351 such that the CPU 351 detects the posture,motion, and the like of the remote control terminal 300. The CPU 351A/D-converts the output results in the respective three axes from thetriaxial acceleration censor 362, and obtains the A/D-converted results.

The general interface 363 is an interface capable of reading/writingdata out of/in a removal media in order to, for example, upgradefirmware and other purposes. The general interface 363 is, specifically,a USB interface or the like, but is not limited thereto in the presenttechnology.

The camera unit 356 is used to take a video to be transmitted to theinformation processing apparatus 200. The camera unit 356 includes animage sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor)image sensor, an A/D converter A/D-converting the output from the imagesensor, and the like.

The encoder 357 encodes the video data took by the camera unit 356 tothereby obtain typical encoded data such as JPEG (Joint PhotographicalExperts Group) data.

The non-volatile storage 358 stores the encoded video data and the like.

The IR oscillator 355 oscillates IR (infrared) signals. The IR(infrared) signals are pulse-modulated so as to include commands tocontrol to the information processing apparatus 200.

The pointing device 330 inputs coordinate data and the like. Forexample, the pointing device 330 inputs pointing-cursor operations onthe display of the information processing apparatus 200. The pointingdevice 330 is an optical mouse or the like.

The microphone unit 361 mainly collects user's voices. The microphoneunit 361 captures sounds, converts the sounds to electric signals, andsupplies the electric signals to the CPU 351. More specifically, themicrophone unit 361 includes a microphone 371 and anamplifier-and-A/D-converter circuit 372. The amplifier-and-A/D-convertercircuit 372 amplifies the output from the microphone 371, andA/D-converts the amplified result.

The first remote-control wireless-communication unit 352 interactivelycommunicates with the information processing apparatus 200 by using afirst wireless communication system in conformity with a wirelesscommunication standard using RF signals such as, for example, the RF4CEstandard.

The second remote-control wireless-communication unit 353 interactivelycommunicates with the information processing apparatus 200 by using asecond wireless communication system higher in speed than the firstwireless communication system. As the second wireless communicationsystem, for example, a wireless LAN in conformity with the IEEE 802.11bstandard or the like may be used.

The sub controller 354 is a circuit controlling the secondremote-control wireless-communication unit 353, the camera unit 356, theencoder 357, and the like. Note that, in this embodiment, the firstremote-control wireless-communication unit 352 is controlled by the CPU351. Note that, the CPU 351 enabling much higher-speed computing maycontrol the second remote-control wireless-communication unit 353, thecamera unit 356, the encoder 357, and the like. In this case, it is notnecessary for the remote control terminal 300 to include the subcontroller 354.

The battery 364 supplies necessary powers to the entire remote controlterminal 300.

The first power source circuit 365 generates voltage, which may be usedby the CPU 351, from the power from the battery 364, and supplies thevoltage to the CPU 351.

The second power source circuit 366 generates voltage, which may be usedby the sub controller 354, from the power from the battery 364, andsupplies the voltage to the sub controller 354. The second power sourcecircuit 366 includes a control input port. The CPU 351 inputsON/OFF-switch-control signals in the control input port. The secondpower source circuit 366 is capable of switching ON/OFF of power supplyto the sub controller 354 in response to the switch-control signalsinput in the control input port.

[Operations in this Embodiment]

Next, operations of the remote control system 100 of this embodimentwill be described.

In the remote control system 100, the remote control terminal 300transmits video data obtained by the camera unit 356 of the remotecontrol terminal 300 and audio data obtained by the microphone unit 361to the information processing apparatus 200 by using the second wirelesscommunication system.

In order to, as described above, transmit video data to the informationprocessing apparatus 200 by the remote control terminal 300, it isnecessary to operate the second remote-control wireless-communicationunit 353 and the camera unit 356. Similarly, in order to transmit audiodata to the information processing apparatus 200 by the remote controlterminal 300, it is necessary to operate the second remote-controlwireless-communication unit 353 and the microphone unit 361. However,the frequency of transmission of video data or audio data is not so highin the entire operating time of the remote control terminal 300.Therefore, in order to reduce power consumption, it is important tostart the second remote-control wireless-communication unit 353, thecamera unit 356, and the microphone unit 361 after generations of videodata/audio data transmission instructions.

In the remote control terminal 300, the CPU 351 recognizes that thevideo-dedicated application startup button 326 or the audio-dedicatedapplication startup button 327 is operated by a user, whereby the videodata/audio data transmission instruction is substantially generated. Forexample, typically, when the CPU 351 recognizes that the video-dedicatedapplication startup button 326, which is allocated to the execution of avideo-dedicated application, is operated, the CPU 351 starts the secondremote-control wireless-communication unit 353 and the camera unit 356at the time of the recognition. However, this may induce unnecessarypower consumption. Next, a reason thereof will be described.

The video-dedicated application startup button 326 and theaudio-dedicated application startup button 327 may sometimes beerroneously operated. For example, under a setting in which the secondremote-control wireless-communication unit 353 and the camera unit 356are started because of a single operation of the video-dedicatedapplication startup button 326, every time the video-dedicatedapplication startup button 326 is erroneously operated, unnecessarypower consumption occurs in the second remote-controlwireless-communication unit 353 and the camera unit 356. Note that, inthis case, a user notices an occurrence of an erroneous operationbecause an image took by the camera unit 356 is displayed on the display219 of the information processing apparatus 200. The user inputsoperations to stop the second remote-control wireless-communication unit353 and the camera unit 356, to thereby reduce the unnecessary powerconsumption as much as possible. However, such a situation does notapply to a case where a power is not supplied to the informationprocessing apparatus 200, or a case where wireless communications withthe information processing apparatus 200 is not established. In suchcases, it is not easy for a user to recognize that the secondremote-control wireless-communication unit 353 and the camera unit 356are being started. As a result, the unnecessary power consumption mayincrease to the measurable amount. This is one problem to be solved bythis embodiment.

[Operation 1]

Next, operations in a case where the video-dedicated application startupbutton 326 of the remote control terminal 300 of the remote controlsystem 100 of this embodiment is operated will be described.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the remote controlsystem 100 in a case where the video-dedicated application startupbutton 326 of the remote control terminal 300 is operated.

Note that, on the premise of the operations, the information processingapparatus 200 is connected with the remote control terminal 300 by usingthe first wireless communication system. In the initial status, thesecond wireless communication system is in the stop status. In theinitial status, the camera unit 356 and the microphone unit 361 of theremote control terminal 300 are also in the stop status. Here, the “stopstatus” includes the status where a power is not supplied. “Startup” andto “start” include the status where a power is supplied.

S1. The video-dedicated application startup button 326 of the remotecontrol terminal 300 is operated.

S2. The CPU 351 of the remote control terminal 300 transmits the keycode allocated to the operated video-dedicated application startupbutton 326 to the information processing apparatus 200 via the firstwireless communication system.

S3. The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 200 obtains thekey code transmitted from the remote control terminal 300. Then, the CPU201 returns a reply to the remote control terminal 300 via the firstwireless communication system. After that, the CPU 201 of theinformation processing apparatus 200 exchanges information, which isnecessary to establish a connection with the remote control terminal 300via the second wireless communication system, with the remote controlterminal 300 by using the first wireless communication system(negotiation).

S4. The CPU 351 of the remote control terminal 300 receives the reply.Then, the CPU 351 sets a standby mode for instructions from theinformation processing apparatus 200.

S5. When the CPU 351 of the remote control terminal 300 sets the standbymode, at the timing when a predetermined time period (for example, 4seconds) passes after receiving the reply signal, the CPU 351 sends aninquiry about the standby status (GET_WAIT STATUS REQUEST) to theinformation processing apparatus 200 via the first wirelesscommunication system at a constant frequency.

S6. In a case where the negotiation is not completed at the time whenreceiving the inquiry (GET_WAIT STATUS REQUEST), the CPU 201 of theinformation processing apparatus 200 sends a reply, which instructs tocontinue the standby mode as it is (GET_WAIT STATUS RESPONSE), to theremote control terminal 300 via the first wireless communication system.In this case, the remote control terminal 300 continues the standby modeas it is. Further, in a case where the negotiation is completed at thetime when receiving the inquiry (GET_WAIT STATUS REQUEST), the CPU 201of the information processing apparatus 200 sends a reply, whichinstructs to start the second remote-control wireless-communication unit353 (first startup instruction) and instructs to continue the standbymode (GET_WAIT STATUS RESPONSE), to the remote control terminal 300 viathe first wireless communication system. Note that, S6 in FIG. 8 showsthe latter.

S7. After that, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 200starts the second TV wireless communication unit 208, and sets the sleepstatus of the first TV wireless communication unit 207.

S8. Receiving the reply, which instructs to start the secondremote-control wireless-communication unit 353 (first startupinstruction) and instructs to continue the standby mode (GET_WAIT STATUSRESPONSE), the CPU 351 of the remote control terminal 300 continues thestandby mode, starts the second remote-control wireless-communicationunit 353, and sets the sleep status of the first remote-controlwireless-communication unit 352. As a result, the information processingapparatus 200 is connected with the remote control terminal 300 via thesecond wireless communication system.

Note that the “sleep status” of the wireless communication units means astatus where the power consumption is reduced by, for example, stoppingreceiving operations, and where receiving operations may be startedimmediately in response to an instruction to return from the sleepstatus, and other status.

S9. The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 200 sends astartup instruction of the camera unit 356 (START_Camera_mode) (secondstartup instruction) to the remote control terminal 300 by using thesecond wireless communication system.

S10. In the remote control terminal 300, the received startupinstruction of the camera unit 356 (second startup instruction) issupplied to the sub controller 354. In response to the startupinstruction of the camera unit 356 (second startup instruction), the subcontroller 354 starts the camera unit 356. As a result, the camera unit356 starts to take images.

S11. The encoder 357 encodes a video took by the camera unit 356 tothereby obtain still-image data such as JPEG data of, for example, apredetermined time period cycle. The sub controller 354 supplies theencoded still-image data to the second remote-controlwireless-communication unit 353. The second remote-controlwireless-communication unit 353 converts the encoded still-image data towireless LAN packets, and transmits the wireless LAN packets to theinformation processing apparatus 200 via the second wirelesscommunication system.

S12. The second TV wireless communication unit 208 of the informationprocessing apparatus 200 receives the wireless LAN packets. The wirelessLAN packets are decompressed, and encoded still-image data is obtained.After that, the video decoder 214 decodes the encoded still-image data,and continuously supplies the decoded still-image data to the display219 via the GUI superimposing unit 217 and the video processing circuit218. The display 219 displays the decoded still-image data. After that,for example, a user of the remote control terminal 300 operates ashutter button provided on the remote control terminal 300 at anarbitrary timing while viewing the video continuously displayed on thedisplay 219. Then, the remote control terminal 300 transmits the keycode corresponding to the shutter button to the information processingapparatus 200 via the second wireless communication system. The CPU 201of the information processing apparatus 200 executes predeterminedprocessing on the still-image data at the timing of obtainment of thekey code, according to the video-dedicated application.

S13. The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 200 determinesthat a predetermined data transmission stop condition is established.Then, the CPU 201 sends an instruction to the remote control terminal300 to stop the camera unit 356 (STOP_Camera_mode) via the secondwireless communication system. Examples of the data transmission stopcondition include a status, where the information processing apparatus200 does not receive video data from the remote control terminal 300,continues for a predetermined continuous time period, and the like.

S14. After sending the instruction to the remote control terminal 300 tostop the camera unit 356 (STOP_Camera_mode), the CPU 201 of theinformation processing apparatus 200 stops the second TV wirelesscommunication unit 208, and returns the first TV wireless communicationunit 207 in the sleep status to the startup status.

S15. Meanwhile, in response to the instruction to stop the camera unit356 (STOP_Camera_mode), the CPU 351 of the remote control terminal 300stops the camera unit 356, stops the second remote-controlwireless-communication unit 353, and returns the first remote-controlwireless-communication unit 352 in the sleep status to the startupstatus.

S16. After that, the CPU 351 of the remote control terminal 300 notifiesthe information processing apparatus 200 that the second wirelesscommunication system is stopped by using the first wirelesscommunication system.

S17. Receiving the notification that the second wireless communicationsystem is stopped from the remote control terminal 300, the CPU 201 ofthe information processing apparatus 200 returns a reply to thenotification to the remote control terminal 300 by using the firstwireless communication system.

S18. In response to the reply, the CPU 351 of the remote controlterminal 300 stops the standby mode for instructions from theinformation processing apparatus 200, and sets a standby mode for nextkey operations.

As described above, in this embodiment, even in a case where thevideo-dedicated application startup button 326 of the remote controlterminal 300 is operated by a user, unless the remote control terminal300 receives a startup instruction from the information processingapparatus 200, the second remote-control wireless-communication unit 353and the camera unit 356 of the remote control terminal 300 are notstarted. Therefore, even if a user erroneously operates thevideo-dedicated application startup button 326 when a power is notsupplied to the information processing apparatus 200, or when wirelesscommunication with the information processing apparatus 200 is notestablished, the second remote-control wireless-communication unit 353and the camera unit 356 are not started. As a result, unnecessary powerconsumption may be reduced.

[Operation 2]

Next, operations in a case where the audio-dedicated application startupbutton 327 of the remote control terminal 300 of the remote controlsystem 100 in this embodiment is operated will be described.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a processing flow in a case where theaudio-dedicated application startup button 327 of the remote controlterminal 300 is operated.

S21. The audio-dedicated application startup button 327 of the remotecontrol terminal 300 is operated.

S22. The CPU 351 of the remote control terminal 300 transmits the keycode allocated to the operated audio-dedicated application startupbutton 327 to the information processing apparatus 200 via the firstwireless communication system.

S23. The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 200 obtains thekey code transmitted from the remote control terminal 300. Then, the CPU201 returns a reply to the remote control terminal 300 via the firstwireless communication system. After that, the CPU 201 of theinformation processing apparatus 200 exchanges information, which isnecessary to establish a connection with the remote control terminal 300via the second wireless communication system, with the remote controlterminal 300 by using the first wireless communication system(negotiation).

S24. The CPU 351 of the remote control terminal 300 receives the reply.Then, the CPU 351 sets a standby mode for instructions from theinformation processing apparatus 200.

S25. When the CPU 351 of the remote control terminal 300 sets thestandby mode, at the timing when a predetermined time period (forexample, 4 seconds) passes after receiving the reply signal, the CPU 351sends an inquiry about the standby status (GET_WAIT STATUS REQUEST) tothe information processing apparatus 200 via the first wirelesscommunication system at a constant frequency.

S26. In a case where the negotiation is not completed at the time whenreceiving the inquiry (GET_WAIT STATUS REQUEST), the CPU 201 of theinformation processing apparatus 200 sends a reply, which instructs tocontinue the standby mode as it is (GET_WAIT STATUS RESPONSE), to theremote control terminal 300 via the first wireless communication system.In this case, the remote control terminal 300 continues the standby modeas it is. Further, in a case where the negotiation is completed at thetime when receiving the inquiry (GET_WAIT STATUS REQUEST), the CPU 201of the information processing apparatus 200 sends a reply, whichinstructs to start the second remote-control wireless-communication unit353 (third startup instruction) and instructs to continue the standbymode (GET_WAIT STATUS RESPONSE), to the remote control terminal 300 viathe first wireless communication system. Note that, S26 in FIG. 9 showsthe latter.

S27. After that, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 200starts the second TV wireless communication unit 208, and sets the sleepstatus of the first TV wireless communication unit 207.

S28. Receiving the reply, which instructs to start the secondremote-control wireless-communication unit 353 (third startupinstruction) and instructs to continue the standby mode (GET_WAIT STATUSRESPONSE), the CPU 351 of the remote control terminal 300 continues thestandby mode, starts the second remote-control wireless-communicationunit 353, and sets the sleep status of the first remote-controlwireless-communication unit 352. As a result, the information processingapparatus 200 is connected with the remote control terminal 300 via thesecond wireless communication system.

S29. The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 200 sends astartup instruction of the microphone unit 361 (START_MIC_mode) (fourthstartup instruction) to the remote control terminal 300 by using thesecond wireless communication system.

S30. In response to the received startup instruction of the microphoneunit 361 (fourth startup instruction), the CPU 351 of the remote controlterminal 300 starts the microphone unit 361. As a result, the microphoneunit 361 starts to collect sounds.

S31. The CPU 351 encodes audio data collected by the microphone unit361. The sub controller 354 supplies the encoded audio data to thesecond remote-control wireless-communication unit 353. The secondremote-control wireless-communication unit 353 converts the encodedaudio data to wireless LAN packets, and transmits the wireless LANpackets to the information processing apparatus 200 via the secondwireless communication system.

S32. The second TV wireless communication unit 208 of the informationprocessing apparatus 200 receives the wireless LAN packets. The wirelessLAN packets are decompressed, and encoded audio data is obtained. Afterthat, the audio decoder 213 decodes the encoded audio data, and suppliesthe decoded audio data to the speaker 216 via the audio processingcircuit 215. After that, the information processing apparatus 200performs processing on the audio data according to audio-dedicatedapplication programs. For example, the information processing apparatus200 recognizes the audio data, extracts a command to control theinformation processing apparatus 200 from the recognized data, andcontrols the information processing apparatus 200. Alternatively, theinformation processing apparatus 200 recognizes the audio data, extractsa command to control the information processing apparatus 200 from therecognized data, and accesses a search service by using the recognizedcharacter string.

S33. The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 200 determinesthat a predetermined data transmission stop condition is established.Then, the CPU 201 sends an instruction to the remote control terminal300 to stop the microphone unit 361 (STOP_MIC_mode) via the secondwireless communication system. Examples of the data transmission stopcondition include a status where the information processing apparatus200 does not receive audio data from the remote control terminal 300 isfor a predetermined continuous time period, and the like.

S34. After sending the instruction to the remote control terminal 300 tostop the microphone unit 361 (STOP_MIC_mode), the CPU 201 of theinformation processing apparatus 200 stops the second TV wirelesscommunication unit 208, and returns the first TV wireless communicationunit 207 in the sleep status to the startup status.

S35. Meanwhile, in response to the instruction to stop the microphoneunit 361 (STOP_MIC_mode), the CPU 351 of the remote control terminal 300stops the microphone unit 361, stops the second remote-controlwireless-communication unit 353, and returns the first remote-controlwireless-communication unit 352 in the sleep status to the startupstatus.

S36. After that, the CPU 351 of the remote control terminal 300 notifiesthe information processing apparatus 200 that the second wirelesscommunication system is stopped by using the first wirelesscommunication system.

S37. Receiving the notification that the second wireless communicationsystem is stopped from the remote control terminal 300, the CPU 201 ofthe information processing apparatus 200 returns a reply to thenotification to the remote control terminal 300 by using the firstwireless communication system.

S38. In response to the reply, the CPU 351 of the remote controlterminal 300 stops the standby mode for instructions from theinformation processing apparatus 200, and sets a standby mode for nextkey operations.

As described above, in this embodiment, even in a case where theaudio-dedicated application startup button 327 of the remote controlterminal 300 is operated by a user, unless the remote control terminal300 receives a startup instruction from the information processingapparatus 200, the second remote-control wireless-communication unit 353and the microphone unit 361 of the remote control terminal 300 are notstarted. Therefore, even if a user erroneously operates theaudio-dedicated application startup button 327 when a power is notsupplied to the information processing apparatus 200, or when wirelesscommunication with the information processing apparatus 200 is notestablished, the second remote-control wireless-communication unit 353and the microphone unit 361 are not started. As a result, unnecessarypower consumption may be reduced.

[Operation 3]

In the above-mentioned operation 1, during the camera unit 356 is beingoperated, the remote control terminal 300 keeps transmitting video datato the information processing apparatus 200. Because of this, in a casewhere a user does not input an operation to instruct to stop takingimages by the camera and the remote control terminal 300 is unoperated,the second remote-control wireless-communication unit 353 and the cameraunit 356 keeps operating. As a result, unnecessary power consumption mayincrease. If a user does not wish to continue to transmit video data inthe unoperated status of the remote control terminal 300, operated bythe user, the remote control terminal 300 may previously store a presetmatter in which data transmission is prohibited under an unoperatedstatus.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a processing flow in a case where thevideo-dedicated application startup button 326 is operated under thecondition in which prohibition of data transmission under an unoperatedstatus is set.

Note that, on the premise of the operations, the information processingapparatus 200 is connected with the remote control terminal 300 by usingthe first wireless communication system. In the initial status, thesecond wireless communication system is in the stop status. In theinitial status, the camera unit 356, the microphone unit 361, and thetriaxial acceleration censor 362 of the remote control terminal 300 arealso in the stop status.

The operations of S41 to S49 are similar to the operations of S1 to S9of the operation 1, and description thereof will thus be omitted.

S50. Receiving the startup instruction of the camera unit 356(START_Camera_mode), the CPU 351 of the remote control terminal 300starts the triaxial acceleration censor 362, and starts the camera unit356 via the sub controller 354. As a result, the triaxial accelerationcensor 362 starts to detect accelerations in the triaxial directions,and the camera unit 356 starts to take images. In response to this, theCPU 351 of the remote control terminal 300 starts to detectoccurrence/inoccurrence of the unoperated status of the remote controlterminal 300 based on the outputs from the triaxial acceleration censor362. For example, the CPU 351 of the remote control terminal 300monitors the respective accelerations in the triaxial directionsdetected by the triaxial acceleration censor 362. If the time period, inwhich a predetermined status continues, is larger than than apredetermined time period as a threshold, the CPU 351 of the remotecontrol terminal 300 determines that the remote control terminal 300 isin the unoperated status. The predetermined status is a status where allthe accelerations in the triaxial directions are smaller than apredetermined threshold. Note that, in the present technology, anydetermining method other than this determining method may be employed.

S51. The encoder 357 encodes a video took by the camera unit 356 tothereby obtain still-image data such as JPEG data of, for example, apredetermined time period cycle. The sub controller 354 supplies theencoded still-image data to the second remote-controlwireless-communication unit 353. The second remote-controlwireless-communication unit 353 converts the encoded still-image data towireless LAN packets, and transmits the wireless LAN packets to theinformation processing apparatus 200 via the second wirelesscommunication system.

S52. The second TV wireless communication unit 208 of the informationprocessing apparatus 200 receives the wireless LAN packets, anddecompresses the wireless LAN packets to thereby obtain encodedstill-image data. After that, the video decoder 214 decodes the encodedstill-image data, and continuously supplies the decoded still-image datato the display 219 via the GUI superimposing unit 217 and the videoprocessing circuit 218. The display 219 displays the decoded still-imagedata. After that, the information processing apparatus 200 executespredetermined processing on the video data according to thevideo-dedicated application.

The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 200 determines thata predetermined data transmission stop condition is established. Then,the CPU 201 sends an instruction to the remote control terminal 300 tostop the camera unit 356 (STOP_Camera_mode) via the second wirelesscommunication system (not shown). Examples of the data transmission stopcondition include a status, where the information processing apparatus200 does not receive video data from the remote control terminal 300,continues for a predetermined continuous time period, and the like.

S53. Note that, here, the following status will be described. That is,before the video data transmission is not performed for a predeterminedtime period, the CPU 351 of the remote control terminal 300 detects theunoperated status based on the output from the triaxial accelerationcensor 362.

S54. In the case of detecting the unoperated status based on the outputfrom the triaxial acceleration censor 362, the CPU 351 of the remotecontrol terminal 300 stops the camera unit 356, stops the secondremote-control wireless-communication unit 353, and returns the firstremote-control wireless-communication unit 352 in the sleep status tothe startup status. As the first remote-control wireless-communicationunit 352 of the remote control terminal 300 in the sleep status returnsto the startup status, the first TV wireless communication unit 207 ofthe information processing apparatus 200 in the sleep status alsoreturns to the startup status (wakes up). As a result, the firstwireless communication system is in the running status.

S55. After that, the CPU 351 of the remote control terminal 300 notifiesthe information processing apparatus 200 that the second wirelesscommunication system is stopped by using the first wirelesscommunication system.

S56. Receiving the notification that the second wireless communicationsystem is stopped from the remote control terminal 300, the CPU 201 ofthe information processing apparatus 200 returns a reply to thenotification to the remote control terminal 300 by using the firstwireless communication system. The following operations are same as theoperation 1.

As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 351 of the remotecontrol terminal 300 monitors the outputs from the triaxial accelerationcensor 362 during video data transmission, determines the unoperatedstatus of the remote control terminal 300, and stops the secondremote-control wireless-communication unit 353 and the camera unit 356.As a result, in the status where the remote control terminal 300 isconnected with the information processing apparatus 200 via the secondwireless communication system and where the remote control terminal 300is unoperated, the power consumption may be minimized.

Note that, the operation 3 describes the processing flow in the casewhere the video-dedicated application startup button 326 is operated.However, it is similar to the case where the video-dedicated applicationstartup button 326 is operated.

Note that, the present technology is not limited to the above-describedembodiment, and may be variously modified in the scope of thetechnological thought of the present technology.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

1. (canceled)
 2. A method of communication between electronic devices,comprising the steps of: sending a request by a first electronic deviceto a second electronic device, via a first wireless-communication unit,to use a second wireless-communication system; and receiving a startupinstruction at the first electronic device, from the second electronicdevice, to start a second wireless-communication unit from a stoppedstate, wherein the first wireless-communication unit transmits therequest via a first wireless-communication system, the secondwireless-communication unit is configured to transmit data via thesecond wireless-communication system, and the secondwireless-communication system is higher in speed than the firstwireless-communication system.
 3. The method according to claim 2,wherein sending the request is performed in response to a userinstruction to execute processing of video data.
 4. The method accordingto claim 2, further comprising receiving a second startup instruction,at the first electronic device, from the second electronic device viathe second wireless-communication unit.
 5. The method according to claim2, wherein the first electronic device sets a sleep status of the firstwireless-communication unit in response to receiving the startupinstruction.
 6. The method according to claim 2, further comprising:receiving, at the first electronic device, a stop instruction from thesecond electronic device via the second wireless-communication unit;stopping the second wireless-communication unit; and returning the firstwireless-communication unit from a sleep status to a startup status. 7.The method according to claim 2, wherein sending the request isperformed in response to a user instruction to transmit audio data.